Ah Cannes.
The jewel of the French Riviera and a place I gladly call my second home for a week of the summer. Having visited Cannes for over four years now, it is safe to say I have utterly immersed myself into both the city and the culture by foot, car and train, making sure I have well and truly seen it ALL – and if you too are planning a trip to the Côte d’Azur, make sure Cannes is on your list as I give you, my ultimate guide for exploring this chic and wonderful city.
The city which plays host to the world renowned Cannes Film Festival, currently taking place at present and running for the 71st year, has a lot more to offer than just the event itself. Yes, this festival is monumental to the city and its history but Cannes has so much on offer no matter what time of the year you venture and you can always snap a picture on the steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès anyways and pretend you were right in the heart of the action.
So what should I do in Cannes if I am visiting this summer?
Take a trip up Le Suquet
Le Suquet is the old quarter of Cannes, bustling with life, tourists and street performers all around the clock, the main street, Rue St Antoine is a cobbled narrow lane and as you climb it, it explodes into a mecca of local restaurants, souvenir shops and markets selling one off antiques and handmade jewellery. My best advice is to visit this place in the evening for an array of places to eat to suit all palettes and pockets. If you are lucky enough to get a seat outdoors along the lane, kick back with a glass of wine and people watch for the night – there is simply nothing like it.
Take in a fireworks show
Every time we visit Cannes we make sure our dates of travel coincide with a night of fireworks courtesy of Le Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique Cannes. This festival takes place throughout the summer, every summer and on certain dates, different countries put on a free firework display from the bay which gathers thousands of spectators every single year. The display is top class and attracts people from around the world. The lights on the promenade are even dimmed so the crowd can fully immerse themselves in the action. This is a fantastic one-of-a-kind show for the whole family and a MUST. You can check out the programme for this summer here.
Walk along the “Promenade de la Croisette”
This 2km stretch along the beach is where you will find the most exquisite shops, world-renowned hotels and top restaurants in all of Cannes. This stretch alone the Cannes coastline is covered in all things flashy from cars to people, it feels like an old Hollywood movie and when the sun shines, it truly is a slice of heaven. If you are not tempted to drop €€€ in one of the restaurants or retail stores, grab a seat outside Le 72 Croisette which faces directly across from the five star Martinez Hotel, sip a cappuccino and celeb spot as you are bound to see a famous face or two pull up to those doors.
Have a drink in the five star InterContinental Carlton Cannes Hotel
The “it” spot amongst Hollywood since time began, every celeb who has ever attended the Cannes Film Festival has either stayed or partied here. This hotel built in 1911 has featured in many films, music videos and features right in the centre of all the action. The hotel also has its own private beach which costs from €50 upwards to rent a seat, this hotel is luxury and well worth a visit inside. When you drink at the bar, you are served with the upmost of class however, be warned cocktails cost like €22 so if you are like me, you’ll go for the one “Gin Fizz” snap a pic and head out the door. Still a MUST for anyone visiting as this place oozes film history.
Shop on Rue d’Antibes
Not far from the Promenade de la Croisette you will find Rue d’Antibes. From Zara to Mango and even my ultimate fave, Sephora, this stretch is high street heaven and worth a wander especially to escape the sun during peak hours when the city gets HOT.
Party at Les Plages Électroniques
This festival which takes place on the beach in Cannes is a favourite of mine. Taking place over the course of three days, it always features incredible acts at seriously affordable prices with guaranteed good weather. What more can you want? This year it takes place from August 10 – 12 and Kygo is a headliner.
If you are not there during the festival but still mad to party then head to Gotha nightclub, this place features world renowned DJs and stars who just hit up the club to party like the rest of us. Hey, if it is good enough for Kendall Jenner every time she is in Cannes, it is good enough for us.
Eat on the beach at La Plage 45
Treat yourself at La Plage 45 and get food direct to your beach lounger, yep you heard us direct to your beach lounger. On the beach in Cannes, a great deal of the promenade is taken up by areas where you must pay for loungers and La Plage 45 is one of the best for value for money with loungers from €28 a day including a towel plus the option to get everything from carbonara to a G&T direct to your beach seat. YAS QUEEN.
Take a trip on the Petit Train de Cannes
If it is your first time to Cannes, this little train which goes from the top of La Croisette is a must, it is a one hour tour which gives you a great overview of Cannes showing you the highlights and best bits to help you then go and explore by foot. It also gives you loads of history on the film festival which many LOVE.
Cannes has so much to offer and so much more I could include but I want to keep this brief and not overwhelming. Cannes truly is a beautiful place and once you visit, it is extremely hard to say goodbye forever and you will find yourself back there again reminiscing on memories made on your last trip, as you venture off to make some more.
As always, with every travel post I do, I am open to questions and queries on all things travel. You can catch me via my email link on my byline and as always, bon voyage.
